Why people can't discuss politics politely

Cityboyfarmer · Jul 13, 2005

Re: Why people can\'t discuss politics politely

I concur Frank. Things get out of hand when one poster intentionally insults or berates another because they were offended by someone's comment about their opinion. We're so sensitive /forums/images/graemlins/blush.gif /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif Once you make it personal, any exchange of ideas stops, whether you're talking politics, religion, motor oil or computers.

Spiffy · Jul 13, 2005

Re: Why people can\'t discuss politics politely

Morning! Not sure if this thread is going full circle to the original question asked, or if my playing off Daedong's post looked more like critism.

In the latter case, just for clarifications, I have no idea of Vin's actual affiliations [I wouldn't even know what they call the political parties or views in that part of the world] and really don't care. I thought it pretty funny [especially after the incredibly true analogy of two one way conversations] reading about Vin's usefulness of such threads only to "bump stats"; couldn't resist complementing good humor with more humor by then interjecting the humourous threads from the same source.

I think I went heavy enough on the the winks and grins to make the humous intentions obvious, but double checking. Hey, this will chalk up another post too.... /forums/images/graemlins/cool.gif /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

OK....babbling again, carry on! /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

Indydirtfarmer · Jul 13, 2005

Re: Why people can\'t discuss politics politely

Take note of the fact that while talking about why we can't talk about politics, there've been a few "near miss's", and a few minor misunderstandings. Imagine if you will, just what would happen should we actually start to discuss politics for real.

slowrev · Jul 13, 2005

Re: Why people can\'t discuss politics politely

why can't people discuss politics politely ?

One reason is that no one want to admit they are wrong /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif
Also the mix of religion and poilitcs makes for an extremly volitile mixture.....

Ben

Boondox · Jul 13, 2005

Re: Why people can\'t discuss politics politely

( Why people can't discuss politics politely 

This must be about thread number 100 on this subject; apart from TBNer posting here just for stats it makes light entertaining reading.

As I am an atheist and also support anarchy I would not enjoy debate about religion or politics but any other subject will do
/forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif )

Looks like I just found a kindred spirit halfway around the world! /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

Cityboyfarmer · Jul 13, 2005

Re: Why people can\'t discuss politics politely

( Take note of the fact that while talking about why we can't talk about politics, there've been a few "near miss's", and a few minor misunderstandings. Imagine if you will, just what would happen should we actually start to discuss politics for real. )

Yep, I saw that, and I also noticed that nobody responded or fanned the flames /forums/images/graemlins/cool.gif

The collective maturity level here at TBN is much higher than most other message boards....most of the time /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

Its a good idea to go back and read my disclaimer in the first post again. /forums/images/graemlins/smirk.gif

hitekcountry · Jul 13, 2005

Re: Why people can\'t discuss politics politely

When ever this subject comes up I always point out the Hindu fable of the blind men and the elephant

It was six men of Indostan
To learning much inclined,
Who went to see the Elephant
(Though all of them were blind),
That each by observation
Might satisfy his mind.

The First approached the Elephant,
And happening to fall
Against his broad and sturdy side,
At once began to bawl:
"God bless me! but the Elephant
Is very like a wall!"

The Second, feeling of the tusk,
Cried, "Ho! what have we here
So very round and smooth and sharp?
To me 'tis mighty clear
This wonder of an Elephant
Is very like a spear!"

The Third approached the animal,
And happening to take
The squirming trunk within his hands,
Thus boldly up and spake:
"I see," quoth he, "the Elephant
Is very like a snake!"

The Fourth reached out an eager hand,
And felt about the knee.
"What most this wondrous beast is like
Is mighty plain," quoth he;
"Tis clear enough the Elephant
Is very like a tree!"

The Fifth, who chanced to touch the ear,
Said: "E'en the blindest man
Can tell what this resembles most;
Deny the fact who can,
This marvel of an Elephant
Is very like a fan!"

The Sixth no sooner had begun
About the beast to grope,
Than, seizing on the swinging tail
That fell within his scope,
"I see," quoth he, "the Elephant
Is very like a rope!"

And so these men of Indostan
Disputed loud and long,
Each in his own opinion
Exceeding stiff and strong,
Though each was partly in the right,
And all were in the wrong!

Cityboyfarmer · Jul 13, 2005

Re: Why people can\'t discuss politics politely

I'm sure glad one of 'em didn't grab the elephants..... /forums/images/graemlins/blush.gif

Nevermind. /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

Junkman · Jul 13, 2005

Re: Why people can\'t discuss politics politely

...... you are quoting A Hindu fable by John Godfrey Saxe, from the from Elephants ancient and modern by FC Sillar and RM Meyler, New York: Viking, (1968) NOTE: Documents the history of the elephant.
/forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

hitekcountry · Jul 13, 2005

Re: Why people can\'t discuss politics politely

 Documents the history of the elephant 

Yes and how it is so often miss preceived by those who are not capable of seeing the whole picture. /forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif/forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif/forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

OH oh are we back on thin ice again? /forums/images/graemlins/confused.gif /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif